The News Letter's Alistair Bushe identifies six young NCU players (in no particular order) who have big years ahead of them in 2010. Alistair's final two choices are Jason van der Merwe of Muckamore and James McCollum of Lurgan.
Jason van der Merwe - Profile
Birthplace: South Africa
Date of Birth: 28th December 1991
Role: all-rounder
The Bushe Verdict: Jason van der Merwe - Muckamore CC
The Muckamore all-rounder burst to prominence during the Under 17 European Championship held in the NCU last summer.
Van der Merwe impressed at the top of the batting order, making 46 in the abandoned game against Jersey and 26 against Denmark.
The Muckamore man is firmly on the radar of the Ireland under age selectors, but will also be looking to make his mark in NCU Section One in 2010
The Bushe Verdict: James McCollum - Lurgan CC
Younger than the other players here, McCollum perhaps won't expect to start in Lurgan's first team in 2010 but it is only a matter of time before he carves a huge reputation for himself.
The son of Ireland selector Ross McCollum, he has never played in the top flight before, but he will be in the spotlight in 2010 with Lurgan back in the Premier League.
Still playing under-15 cricket, he has the potential to be every bit as good as his father.
So there we have it. Alistair Bushe's picks from the NCU have been, in addition to the two players above the others were: Keith Allen and Lee Nelson of Waringstown CC, left-arm slow bowler Jack Blakiston-Houston and batsman James Shannon, both of Instonians CC.
Look out for more Cover Point picks from the NCU in this series before the start of the season!
Copyright: Cover Point
